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One thing about the future is certain: If the Earth isn't saved by intergalactic competitions between giant fighting robots, it will be saved by intergalactic competitions between flying rally cars.
In "Oban Star-Racers," the fate of the world rests upon a 15-year-old tomboy. Eva Wei was dumped in a boarding school at age 5. Ten years later, she's determined to make her father notice her -- even if that means running away from school, hiding her identity and joining his star-racing team as a mechanic.
Needless to say, the path to reconciliation isn't smooth, especially when the team's star pilot is injured and hotshot Eva, now called Molly, demands the chance to fill in. Racing manager Don Wei isn't sure this cocky kid is up to the task, but what the heck, the only consequence of failure could be Earth's utter destruction by the warlike Crogs.
"Oban" is a tough cartoon to categorize. Molly is a female hero with a temper, a rebellious teen with plenty of raw talent and a severe lack of discipline. She's aggressive and defiant when pushed, but extremely vulnerable to her father's indifference and scorn. Her characterization makes "Oban" a smart choice for girls of all ages.
But "Oban" is also...